MANCHESTER UNITED have stepped up their interest in Dries Mertens after reportedly scouting the Napoli forward at the weekend.
The Red Devils have struggled for goals this season and Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to bring another attacker to Old Trafford this summer.
Recent reports claim that man could be Mertens, who has scored 26 goals and assisted a further seven in all competitions after being transformed into a striker by Maurizio Sarri.
The Belgium international is alleged to have held talks with United officials in early March and could pocket as much as £4.3million-a-year in England.
Mertens, who has a £30m release clause, can also play as a No.10 or on either side of the midfield, and Gazza Mercato via TMW claims scouts from the Theatre of Dreams watched him in action during Sunday’s 3-0 Serie A win over Lazio.
His contract expires in 2018, making things easier for Mourinho should the Portuguese tactician wish to push ahead with a deal.
Mourinho has made no secret of his disdain for United’s current record in front of goal, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic the only forward making the most of his opportunities.
The Special One is also believed to be weighing up an Old Trafford return for Javier Hernandez, who was sold by Louis van Gaal to Bayer Leverkusen for just £7.3m in 2015.
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Mourinho said last week: “In the way we play at Old Trafford, in the way we dominate opponents, I think Chicharito would have 20 goals easy.
“He is the guy that naturally the ball comes here, rebound here, rebounds there, boom – goal.
“If the goalkeeper saves it, he goes there, boom – goal. If the cross is coming, he anticipates the first post header – goal. And that’s not even coming off the bench.”
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